December 13, 2002

MGH employees, patients and visitors gathered in the MGH Chapel Dec. 6 at the annual Service of Remembrance and Healing to honor and offer remembrance of those whose lives have been tragically affected by domestic violence in Massachusetts.

The vigil included inspirational songs, poems, readings and prayers. The names of 19 Massachusetts victims were represented by the stirring echoes of a gong that marked each life cut tragically short by domestic violence. After a moment of silence, some attendees offered prayers for friends and relatives who currently are being affected by domestic violence.

"We come from many different places and many different walks of life, but we share the same spirit of sadness and the same spirit of commitment to the victims and their families," said Bonnie Zimmer, MSW, director of HAVEN (Hospitals Helping Abuse and Violence End Now) and chair of the MGH Domestic Violence Working Group.

The service concluded with a performance by soloist Margie Smith, who encouraged attendees to join her in a rendition of the inspirational song "This Little Light of Mine."

The service was sponsored by MGH Chaplaincy, Social Services/HAVEN, the Employee Assistance Program, Police and Security, and Nutrition and Food Services.